Macron and Le Pen clash in TV debate ahead of election | DW News

French President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen faced off in their only campaign debate on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's decisive second round of the presidential election.

For Le Pen, who lags behind Macron in voter surveys, it was a chance to close the gap, and for the incumbent, an opportunity to defend his five-year record.

Le Pen has been criticized for her ties to Russia. But during the debate, she said she wanted to express her solidarity with Ukrainians, a clear sign that she wanted to sweep aside her past ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The only sanctions I disagree with is the blocking of Russian oil and gas imports. Why do I disagree? Because in reality it will do no harm to Russia and will do enormous harm to our people."

Macron took a hit at his contender, saying she was beholden to Russian financing.

"You are dependent on the Russian government and you are dependent on Mr Putin," Macron said, referring to a loan agreed by Le Pen's party with a Czech-Russian bank which he said was "close to the Russian government."

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1

For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/
Follow DW on social media:
►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/
►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews
►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews
Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch

#France #Macron #LePen